In Belgorod, Russia, two conscripts were detained in a military unit for refusing to go to Ukraine.

A number of Telegram channels and Russian media reported this.

According to the law, they are facing up to three years in prison.

Detention was carried out during the line-up. It is reported that both mobilized persons confirmed their reluctance to go to Ukraine orally and in writing.

The mobilized were detained in accordance with the case initiated under part 2 (note 1) of Article 332 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, “Failure to comply with an order”.

The text of the article states:

“Failure by subordinates to comply with a superior’s order, given in accordance with the statutory procedure, in the period of martial law, wartime, or in the conditions of armed conflict or hostilities, is equal to refusal to participate in military and combat operations. It is punishable by imprisonment for a period of two to three years.”

It is worth noting that this section was introduced by the Law of the Russian Federation dated September 24, 2022.

Subsequent changes to the Russian Federation legislation were made after the announcement of “partial mobilization”, which Putin proclaimed on September 21.

In particular, the concepts of “mobilization” and “wartime” were introduced into the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, along with the amendments regarding responsibility for desertion during mobilization or during wartime.

The State Duma also introduced criminal liability for voluntary surrender (from 3 to 10 years) and looting (up to 15 years).

Also, if during the period of mobilization, martial law, or wartime, a soldier leaves a unit for up to 10 days, he would face up to 5 years in prison. Leaving a unit for up to a month causes 7 years of imprisonment, and leaving for more than a month – 10 years.

Those in the military reserve called for military training will be criminally responsible for the absence or desertion, equally as military personnel or conscripts.

As previously reported, Putin recently signed a decree according to which people with dual citizenship or a residence permit confirming their right to reside in the territory of a foreign state will be conscripted into military service in the Russian Federation.